AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Madison set the salad bowl on the table and sat across from him.
“Help yourself to salad.” She filled her bowl, and he followed suit.
He’d already poured Merlot into their glasses. He raised his with a simple,Cheers,and peered at her. “Tell me about your day.”
“We had a great time. We spent two hours in the Galleria Mall and lingered at Macy’s and then at various boutiques.”
He arched his eyebrows. “Did you buy anything?”
“Of course.” She threw up her hands. “You can’t expect two women to go to Macy’s and come out empty handed, especially when there are sales.”
Arlene laughed and served the lasagna, but Rick snorted. “They always have sales.”
“I know. And that’s what makes it fun. Your mom bought shorts and two printed shirts, and I bought a pair of shoes. Beauties, high-heeled but so comfortable, and a great deal.”
She was so pleased with herself that he couldn’t help smiling. If his mother wasn’t sitting with them, he would have pulled her onto his lap and kissed her adorable pout.
Always a mother hen, Arlene urged, “Eat your lasagna before it gets cold.”
“It’s delicious,” Madison said after a few bites.
“Mom, you surpassed yourself. Your lasagna is out of thisworld.”
“So glad you both like it.” Arlene smiled. “As for the rest of our day, it was amazing. We had lunch in a restaurant on the seashore and strolled on the boardwalk with the tourists. Madison showed me how to access the beach in front of her building.”
A moment later, Madison’s phone chimed. She frowned and stood. “This call is from work. You’ll have to excuse me. I must take it.” She rushed to the family room and dug her phone out of her purse.
They heard vague answers that didn’t mean much.
“Yes ... All right ... Yes, of course. I’ll be there. Bye.” Madison ended her call and returned to the table with her phone clenched in her hand. “They want me to sub for a co-worker who is sick. Sorry, Arlene, I have to cancel our day tomorrow. I must be at the Miami airport by 1:00 p.m.”
“Don’t worry about it. We had a great time today. Let me bring out the dessert.”
Rick cleared the table and his mother brought out an apple pie and a bowl of vanilla ice cream.
After dessert, Rick caught his mother’s eye and blinked.
Understanding him, she stood. “I need to go lie down. Madison dear, thank you for a lovely day and have a safe trip tomorrow.” She hugged her young friend. “Give me a call when you get back.”
“I will. Thanks for the delicious dinner.”
Rick had already set the dirty plates in the dishwasher and caught up with Madison as she collected her purse and jacket. “Wait. Did you bring your bathing suit?”
“I did, but I need to go home and get ready for tomorrow’s flight to Buenos Aires.” She collected her handbag and jacket from the sofa in the family room.
He dried his hands and peered at her. “Are you stayingovernight?”
“The usual two days. So I have to pack and read as much as I can about this new destination.”
“Why?”
“Just in case my passengers ask questions, I like to be able to answer.”
What a thoroughly professional flight attendant! Admiration filled his heart. He would definitely hire her for his company if she ever decided to quit flying. He could see her navigating the marketing field with great success.
“All right. I’ll take a rain check on the swim. How about a drink on the patio?”
She tilted her head, studying him. “No drink, but I’ll follow you onto the terrace for one last look. The view is so soothing.”
